Title: Tragedy on Lake Superior: The Sinking of Tug Pearl B. Campbell
Subtitle: A Fateful Storm Claims the Lives of Seven Brave Men
On December 7, 1895, a devastating storm unleashed its wrath upon Lake Superior, claiming the lives of seven courageous men and sending the propeller steam tug Pearl B. Campbell to its watery grave. This wooden vessel, built in 1883 by John B. Martel in Saugatuck, Michigan, measured 55.2 feet in length, 15.8 feet in beam, and 6.9 feet in depth.
Operated by the Inman Tug Line based in Duluth, Minnesota, the Pearl B. Campbell had been engaged in assisting the stranded schooner Henry A. Kent near Marquette. After successfully pulling the schooner free, the tug embarked on its return journey to Duluth. However, fate had a different plan in store.
As the tug made its way through the treacherous waters near the Huron Islands, it encountered a ferocious gale. Accumulating a heavy load of ice on its upperworks, the Pearl B. Campbell began to fill with water, causing it to sink stern first. The crew’s valiant efforts to battle the elements and keep the vessel afloat proved futile.
Tragically, all seven men aboard the Pearl B. Campbell perished in the icy waters of Lake Superior. Among the victims were Captain William McGillivray, George McCort (engineer), Captain John Lloyd (mate), Fred England (second engineer), Peter McCallin (cook), and two unnamed firemen. Their loss was a devastating blow to their families and the maritime community.
News of the disaster spread rapidly, sending shockwaves through Duluth and beyond. The captain of the tug Castle, who was in the vicinity, reported the tragic incident to authorities in L’Anse, Michigan. It was a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those who braved the Great Lakes in their noble pursuit of maritime work.
The sinking of the Pearl B. Campbell serves as a somber testament to the unpredictable and formidable nature of Lake Superior. The crew, skilled and experienced as they were, were no match for the fury of the storm and the accumulating ice that sealed their fate.
Today, the memory of the Pearl B. Campbell and its brave crew serves as a reminder of the perils faced by those who navigate the Great Lakes. Their sacrifice is honored as part of the rich history and maritime heritage of the region, reminding us of the inherent risks and the indomitable spirit of those who make their living on the waters of the vast inland seas.
